Congressman Carson Joins Effort to Force Vote on Middle Income Tax Cuts

Congressman Carson Joins Effort to Force Vote on Middle Income Tax Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman André Carson is taking action to force an up-or-down vote on legislation that extends tax cuts for 98 percent of all Americans and 97 percent of small businesses. Carson joined his colleagues in signing a discharge petition, led by Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), to bring up H.R. 15: The Middle Class Tax Cut Act. This legislation would provide every American with a tax cut on income up to $250,000, while allowing taxes on income over $250,000 to return to Clinton-era rates. If House Republicans prevent action on this measure, middle-class families could see their income taxes go up by an average of $2,200. According to a report by the Tax Foundation, Hoosier families would see an even greater increase of over $3,600.

"It is time to take action to extend tax relief for 98 percent of Americans," declared Congressman Carson. "Today, House Democrats are taking a bold step to force Speaker Boehner to immediately schedule a vote on the Senate-passed bill which does just that. The President has said he would sign it immediately."

Democrats are launching this discharge petition to force action on the widely-supported legislation, because Republican Leadership has refused to move ahead -- holding middle class tax cuts hostage to tax breaks for the wealthy. It has been 132 days since the Senate passed this bill (July 25), and only 28 days remain until middle class taxes will go up. A discharge petition requires the House to consider the legislation once a majority of Congress (218 members) have signed it. This process was successful in forcing action on campaign finance and enacting disabled veterans benefits in 2001 and 2003.

"Congressional Republicans must end the uncertainty and stop withholding middle income tax cuts for the 2.4 million Hoosier families affected. Our constituents should not have to pay this high price for partisan gridlock."